Luxor: The Complete Guide

The modern city of Luxor, located in Upper Egypt, encompasses the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Known as “the palaces” in Arabic, Luxor has earned the title of the “world’s greatest open-air museum” due to the presence of the Egyptian temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor within the city limits. Across the River Nile lies the west bank Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, and adds to the city’s cultural and historical significance. Tourists from all over the world flock to Luxor annually to visit these monuments, which greatly contribute to the city’s economy. With a population of 422,407 (as of 2021) and an area of around 417 km2 (161 sq mi), Luxor is the capital of Luxor Governorate and is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

History of Luxor

Luxor, once known as Thebes in ancient Egypt, has a storied history that spans thousands of years, serving as the backdrop to dramatic shifts in power and religion. As the capital during the New Kingdom era, it was revered as the ‘Glorious City’ of the god Amon-Ra. Starting from the 11th Dynasty, Luxor transformed from a modest town into a major city noted for its luxury, high social standing, and as a center for art, wisdom, and religious and political authority. This city became a crucial wealth hub, gaining prominence not just in Egypt but globally. Luxor was instrumental in overthrowing the Hyksos invaders in Upper Egypt, cementing its role as a formidable force in political, religious, and military domains from the 18th to the 20th Dynasty.

Luxor is celebrated as one of the most significant cities in Upper (Southern) Egypt and serves as the capital of Luxor Governorate. It is famously recognized for containing some of the oldest and most spectacular ancient Egyptian sites. Known also as the ‘World’s greatest open-air Museum,’ the modern city encompasses the ancient ruins of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank, where daily life has remained unchanged for centuries. The city is strategically situated between the East and West banks of the Nile, regularly crossed by locals and tourists via Felucca boats and ferries. The West Bank houses many iconic monuments, tombs, and temples, including the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, drawing millions of visitors each year to this historical pilgrimage site.

Luxor remained Egypt’s religious capital until the later Greek period, continually worshiping the god Amon along with his consort Mut and their son Khonsu, the moon god. As Thebes rose to prominence, Amon’s importance grew, merging with the sun god Ra to become the ‘King of Gods,’ Amon-Ra. His grand temple at Karnak, just north of Thebes, was Egypt’s most significant religious site until the end of antiquity.

The “Avenue of Sphinxes,” a monumental road linking the Karnak and Luxor Temples, is one of the city’s most ambitious restoration projects. Originally constructed by Pharaoh Amenhotep III and completed by Nectanebo I in 400 BCE, this road was historically lined with over a thousand sphinx statues. The restoration efforts aim to revive the path’s grandeur, allowing tourists to experience this ancient processional route as it was millennia ago. The project has involved excavating the road, which had been buried under layers of silt, homes, mosques, and churches over centuries.

Luxor continues to captivate and draw visitors with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture, preserving its legacy as a central hub of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Visiting Luxor for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Luxor on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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3 Best places to See in Luxor

This complete guide to Luxor not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Luxor and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple, which was constructed around 1400 BCE, is an extensive temple complex situated on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt (formerly known as Thebes). The temple was referred to as ipet resyt in the Egyptian language, meaning “the southern sanctuary”, and was one of the two primary temples on […]

Location: Luxor Temple, Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt | Distance: 1.40km

Visiting Luxor Temple

Karnak Temple Complex

Karnak Temple Complex, also known as Karnak, is a large collection of ruined temples, pylons, chapels, and other structures located near Luxor, Egypt. The site was originally named Ipet-isut, meaning “The Most Selected of Places,” and was the primary location of worship for the Theban Triad of the 18th Dynastic period, with Amun as its […]

Location: Karnak Temple Complex, Karnak, Luxor, Egypt | Hours: 6am-6pm | Price: adult/student LE120/60, incl open-air museum LE150/75 | Distance: 3.90km

Visiting Karnak Temple Complex

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings, also known as Wādī Al-Mulūk or Wādī Bībān al-Mulūk in Arabic, is a long and narrow defile located just to the west of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It was a significant part of the ancient city of Thebes and served as the burial site for almost all the […]

Location: Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt | Distance: 7.00km

Visiting Valley of the Kings

Best Time to Visit Luxor

The best time to visit Luxor, known for its breathtaking ancient Egyptian monuments and hot desert climate, depends on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes. Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:

Winter (October to February)

Winter is the most recommended time to visit Luxor. The weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), which is ideal for exploring the vast open-air museums of the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Karnak Temple Complex. The cooler temperatures make walking around these expansive sites comfortable and enjoyable. This is also the peak tourist season, so while you’ll enjoy the best weather, you’ll also be sharing the attractions with many other visitors.

Spring (March to April)

Spring is a short but lovely season to visit Luxor. The temperatures begin to climb but are still tolerable, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It’s a good time to catch the last of the mild weather before the summer heat sets in. Keep in mind that during spring, especially in April, Luxor can experience the Khamsin wind, a hot, dry wind that blows in from the desert, which can bring sandstorms and significantly warmer days.

Summer (May to September)

Summer in Luxor is hot and long, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Due to the intense heat, summer is considered the low season for tourism. If you don’t mind the high temperatures, you can benefit from fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and tours. Early morning and late afternoon visits to archaeological sites are advisable to avoid the midday sun. Additionally, the Nile’s cooling breezes can offer some relief during river cruises.

Autumn (Late September to November)

Autumn sees a return to more comfortable weather, making it another good time to visit Luxor. The temperatures begin to decrease, becoming more bearable, especially towards late October and November. This season is somewhat less crowded than winter, providing a more relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying pleasant weather.

Best Times to Visit

Overall, the best times to visit Luxor are during the cooler months from October to April. This period offers the most comfortable climate for exploring Luxor’s outdoor archaeological treasures. Winter provides the most favorable weather, but if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit more heat, early spring and late autumn are also excellent choices.

Average Temperatures in Luxor

January 25°C 0
February 28°C 0
March 33°C 0
April 39°C 0
May 40°C 0
June 43°C 0
July 44°C 0
August 43°C 0
September 42°C 0
October 38°C 0
November 32°C 0
December 26°C 0

How to get to Luxor

Getting to Luxor, a major highlight of Egypt’s archaeological treasures, can be accomplished through various means of transportation, depending on where you’re starting your journey. Here are some common ways to reach Luxor:

By Air

Luxor International Airport is the most direct way to reach the city if you are coming from outside Egypt or from far within the country. The airport hosts international flights from several major cities around the world as well as domestic flights from major Egyptian cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Airlines like EgyptAir offer frequent connections from Cairo, with the flight taking just about an hour.

By Train

Traveling to Luxor by train is a popular choice for those already in Egypt. The Egyptian National Railways operates several trains daily from Cairo to Luxor. The journey can take anywhere from 9 to 12 hours depending on the service chosen. Trains in Egypt range from basic to more luxurious services like sleeper trains, which offer private compartments and meals. This is an economical and scenic way to travel, as the trains follow the course of the Nile River for much of the journey.

By Bus

Buses are another option for reaching Luxor from major cities within Egypt. Services like GoBus and Upper Egypt Bus Company offer comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. The bus from Cairo to Luxor takes about 10 to 12 hours, making it a viable overnight travel option. Buses generally offer a cheaper but longer journey compared to trains.

By Car

For those preferring to drive, traveling by car from Cairo to Luxor allows for a flexible itinerary with the ability to stop at various points of interest along the way. The distance is approximately 650 kilometers (400 miles), and the drive can take around 8 to 9 hours, traveling along the Eastern Desert Road. It’s important to be prepared for a long journey through remote areas, and hiring a local driver familiar with the routes can be advantageous.

By Nile Cruise

A more leisurely and scenic way to reach Luxor is by taking a Nile cruise from Aswan. These cruises can last several days and offer a view of rural Egypt along the Nile banks, stopping at various historical sites along the way, including Edfu and Kom Ombo, before arriving in Luxor. This option combines transportation with sightseeing and luxury, providing an all-in-one travel experience.

Travel Tips

Domestic Flights: Consider using domestic flights if you are short on time, as they are the quickest way to travel between major cities in Egypt.
Train Reservations: It’s advisable to book train tickets in advance, especially for sleeper services, to ensure availability.
Bus Travel: When traveling by bus, booking tickets in advance can secure the best seats and ensure travel on your preferred day.
Driving in Egypt: If driving, ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for long distances and you have all necessary permits and insurance for driving in Egypt.

Luxor’s accessibility by various modes of transportation makes it a flexible destination to fit into broader travel plans within Egypt.